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Pakistan’s Diplomatic Push: Dar Highlights Global Instability at ASEAN Regional Forum
In a period marked by escalating geopolitical tensions, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, utilized the influential platform of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila to articulate a nuanced perspective on the multifaceted challenges threatening global peace and stability. His address underscored Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic stance, identifying eight critical areas demanding urgent international attention and collective action.
The ARF, a premier multilateral forum for security dialogue in the Indo-Pacific, brought together foreign ministers and delegates from 27 member states. Amidst a significant flare-up in hostilities between the United States and Iran – a conflict directly impacting the energy-reliant $3.8 trillion ASEAN economy – Dar’s intervention served as a timely reminder of the interconnectedness of regional and global security dynamics.
The ASEAN Regional Forum: A Crucial Diplomatic Arena
Established in 1994, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) has evolved into a vital platform for fostering constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues across the Indo-Pacific. Its membership, encompassing major global and regional powers, makes it a unique space for discussions ranging from traditional security threats to emerging challenges like climate change and cyber warfare. For Pakistan, which joined the ARF in 2004, active participation reflects its commitment to multilateralism and its desire to contribute meaningfully to regional and international peace.
This year’s gathering held particular significance, set against a backdrop of complex global events. The ongoing US-Iran conflict, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, persistent terrorism threats, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea collectively painted a picture of a world in flux, demanding coordinated diplomatic responses.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Compass: Navigating Geopolitical Headwinds
Dar’s speech was a comprehensive articulation of Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, strategically framing its national security concerns within a broader international context:
Addressing South Asian Flashpoints
A significant portion of Dar’s address focused on the unresolved disputes in South Asia, particularly emphasizing the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as the “heart of regional instability.” Pakistan’s consistent stance advocating for a just and peaceful settlement in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people was reiterated. This long-standing issue remains a primary irritant in relations between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India.
Adding another layer of urgency, Dar expressed grave concern over India’s unilateral decision to place the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance. This move, following hostilities last year, represents a critical threat to Pakistan’s water security, a nation already vulnerable to climate change impacts. The IWT, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, is one of the most successful water-sharing treaties globally, and its unilateral disruption carries immense risks for regional stability and peace, prompting a strong warning from Pakistan’s military to take “all measures necessary” to secure its water rights.
Mediating in the Middle East: US-Iran and Gaza
Pakistan leveraged its diplomatic role in facilitating a ceasefire and leadership-level talks between the US and Iran after 47 years. Dar highlighted this as a valuable opportunity for lasting peace, urging the international community to reinforce these efforts. This mediation is crucial not only for regional stability but also for global energy markets, given the significance of the Strait of Hormuz for oil shipping, a lifeline for ASEAN economies.
Simultaneously, the Deputy Prime Minister called attention to the “deeply alarming” humanitarian crisis in occupied Palestinian territories, condemning the “genocidal streak unleashed in Gaza.” Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders was firmly reiterated, posing a moral challenge to the collective conscience of the international community.
Confronting the ‘Common Threat’ of Terrorism
Terrorism was identified as a shared global challenge, with Dar underlining Pakistan’s immense sacrifices – over 90,000 lives lost and nearly $150 billion in economic damages – in the global fight against it. He specifically cited the challenge of groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan’s clear expectation from the Afghan Taliban regime is to prevent its territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan or any other neighbour, emphasizing that fulfilling this commitment could unlock immense opportunities for regional trade and socio-economic development.
Broader Global and Regional Concerns
Pakistan’s stance on the Ukraine-Russia war remained consistent, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the sole path to a just and lasting peace. Regarding the South China Sea tensions, Dar urged “non-interference, restraint, and engagement,” reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the One-China principle, recognizing Beijing’s sovereignty over Taiwan.
Finally, Dar highlighted climate change as a “common global challenge,” noting Pakistan’s extreme vulnerability despite contributing less than one percent to global emissions. He called for enhanced international cooperation to address this existential threat, aligning with Pakistan’s own “ambitious” climate agenda.
Analysis: Pakistan’s Proactive and Pragmatic Diplomacy
Ishaq Dar’s address at the ARF was more than just a recitation of global issues; it was a strategic articulation of Pakistan’s diplomatic philosophy – one that seeks solutions through dialogue, multilateralism, and international cooperation. By linking local and regional concerns (Kashmir, IWT, Afghan-based terrorism) to broader global stability, Pakistan aims to elevate these issues on the international agenda and garner support for their resolution.
The emphasis on Pakistan’s mediating role in the US-Iran conflict demonstrates a pragmatic foreign policy attempting to leverage its strategic location and relationships to enhance its diplomatic standing. This proactive engagement positions Pakistan not merely as a recipient of aid or a victim of circumstances, but as a responsible actor capable of contributing to de-escalation in critical flashpoints.
Moreover, the extensive bilateral meetings held on the sidelines with counterparts from Oman, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Russia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and the EU’s top diplomat, along with a visit to the Asian Development Bank, underscore Pakistan’s commitment to fostering diverse diplomatic ties and economic partnerships. These engagements are vital for strengthening bilateral relations, exchanging perspectives, and exploring avenues for cooperation on the very challenges Dar outlined.
While Dar’s calls are ambitious, particularly concerning India and Afghanistan, they reflect Pakistan’s firm stance on issues critical to its national interest and regional stability. The ARF, with its mandate for preventive diplomacy, offers an essential platform for these discussions, allowing nations to air grievances and seek collective pathways forward, even when direct bilateral talks face impasses.
Conclusion: A Collective Resolve for Peace
As the ARF adopted the Manila Plan of Action 2026-2036, Dar’s presentation served as a powerful reminder of the complex, interconnected threats facing the international community. Pakistan’s commitment to the ARF’s principles and objectives, alongside its proactive diplomatic efforts, signifies its resolve to contribute to a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient region. The urgency articulated by Dar highlights that delaying action on these critical challenges will only undermine collective efforts to achieve a stable and prosperous future across regions and beyond. The call for sovereign equality, mutual respect, and sustained dialogue remains the bedrock upon which shared security must be built.
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